(The procedure should be the same or very similar for the 2.0L and 1.8L engines.)

The 9th generation Malibu was supposed to undergo a "facelift" in 2022 or 2023 and the refreshed vehicle may have continued being produced into the 2024 and 2025 model years but it will now apparently be discontinued after the 2023 model year.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Holden such as the Impala, Corvette, Bolt, Sonic, Spark, Express, Trax, TrailBlazer, Equinox, Traverse, Blazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, Cruze, Volt, Camaro, Encore, Envision, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CT4, CT5, CT6 and Commodore may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

Some of the symptoms of a bad camshaft position sensor include rough idling, reduced fuel economy (lower MPG), stalling, slow acceleration, stumbling, reduced power, vibrations, rough starting, erratic idle and a CEL / SES (check engine light, service engine soon) indicator warning light on the gauge cluster.

If you have an OBDII scan tool (also known as an OBD2 scanner), you may see a camshaft position sensor related DTC (diagnostic trouble code) such as P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343 and P0344.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) camshaft position sensor part number is ACDelco 12636947.

The tools needed to complete this procedure include a Torx T30 star bit screwdriver, a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

The first two steps are to open the hood and then locate the black metal Torx bolt on the front right (driver side) corner of the plastic engine cover.

Set the bolt aside in a safe place.

Twist off the oil fill cap by rotating it in the counterclockwise direction.

Set the oil fill cap aside in a safe place.

To help prevent from having foreign objects or debris fall down in to the engine, stuff a small towel into the oil fill hole.

One sensor is located on the front right (driver side) corner of the valve cover.

The other sensor is located on the rear right (driver side) of the valve cover below the black plastic pipe connected to the turbocharger.

Locate the tan / burnt orange plastic electrical connector on the sensor.

Gently slide out the red lock tab up and away from the sensor.

Then push in the release button on the electrical connector and pull it off the sensor.

Spin out the bolt the last few turns with your fingers to prevent it from falling down into the engine bay and becoming lost.

Set the bolt aside in a safe place.

Pull the sensor straight out of the opening.

The original sensor was marked as part number ACDelco 12636947.

Line up the bolt hole in the new sensor with the corresponding bolt hole in the valve cover.

Spin in the bolt a few turns by hand in the clockwise direction to prevent it from becoming cross threaded.

Tighten the bolt in the clockwise direction with the 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Try to avoid over tightening the bolt to prevent from cracking the plastic sensor housing.

You should feel or hear the power plug "click" securely into place.

Slide the red lock tab in towards the sensor to secure the electrical connector in place.

If you'd like to replace the second sensor on the rear of the valve cover, view the pictures above to see its location.

Replace the plastic engine cover.

Tighten the Torx T-30 bolt by turning it in the clockwise direction until it is snug.

If you have an OBDII scanner, clear any camshaft position sensor related diagnostic trouble codes.

To test the new sensor(s), start the engine and see if it idles smoothly. If so, take the car for a short test drive.

Be sure to write down the sensor change in your car's service records.

Please check out all of the 2016-2023 GM Chevrolet Malibu DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.